Supermarket chains say they are trying to cater to what they perceive as growing consumer demand for foods produced in Texas.
The "locavore" movement is a hot national trend that's picking up Lone Star adherents, aside from proud Texans already disposed toward in-state products that go beyond such favorites as Parker County peaches and Rio Grande Valley grapefruit.
Kroger recently expanded its Nolan Ryan's Beef program to all its Texas locations and persuaded farmers to plant crops like cauliflower that had been abandoned decades ago.
"We are encouraging our growers to try new things," said Jerry Kachtik, a McAllen-based produce buyer for Kroger. "We meet with the growers and talk to them about trying different things — cauliflower, eggplant or bell peppers. We basically say, if they grow it, we'll try it."
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